Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will rank all 32 NFL groups. The rankings will have in mind not simply weekly efficiency, accidents and roster depth, however how properly every staff measures up as Super Bowl contenders.
Here are the rankings heading into Week 12:
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-1, No. 1 final week)
Last week: Win vs. Chiefs, 21-17
Up subsequent: vs. Bills
The Eagles avenged their Super Bowl loss by storming again from a 17-7 halftime deficit to stun the Chiefs, cementing their standing as the perfect staff in soccer. While Jalen Hurts and the passing sport struggled in wet circumstances, a giant sport from working again D’Andre Swift, two dashing touchdowns from Hurts and a clutch 41-yard move to DeVonta Smith to the Chiefs’ 1-yard line halfway by means of the fourth quarter was sufficient to gas the comeback. Two dropped passes on Kansas City’s ultimate drive saved the Philadelphia protection from embarrassment, which is one thing to observe because the staff enters a brutal four-game stretch in opposition to the Bills, 49ers, Cowboys and Seahawks.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-3, No. 2)
Last week: Loss vs. Eagles, 21-17
Up subsequent: at Raiders
If Marquez Valdes-Scantling had caught that deep landing move from Patrick Mahomes with 1:50 left, it might have put the Chiefs atop these rankings and within the driver’s seat for the highest seed within the AFC. Instead, they’re left to rue a number of pricey drops and a pair of pink zone turnovers that got here again to chunk them. While Kansas City’s protection couldn’t make a vital cease late, it performed properly sufficient to win in opposition to one of many league’s finest offenses. This nonetheless appears to be like like the perfect staff within the AFC, although the shortage of reliable receivers stays a difficulty.
3. Ravens (8-3, No. 3)
Last week: Win vs. Bengals, 34-20
Up subsequent: at Chargers
What a distinction a yr makes. Lamar Jackson is now the wholesome, dependable quarterback within the AFC North following Joe Burrow’s season-ending wrist harm Thursday night time. Jackson shook off his personal harm scare to ship a classic efficiency, spreading the ball round to 9 receivers after tight finish Mark Andrews suffered a extreme ankle harm on the primary drive. Andrews’ harm places extra stress on the extensive receivers to step up, however a rejuvenated Odell Beckham Jr. is likely to be rounding into form on the good time. So lengthy because the Ravens have a wholesome Jackson, an efficient floor sport and one of many league’s finest defenses, they’ll stay the highest contender to take down the Chiefs within the AFC.
4. Detroit Lions (8-2, No. 4)
Last week: Win vs. Bears, 31-26
Up subsequent: vs. Packers
After throwing three interceptions in an unpleasant 3 1/2 quarters Sunday, Jared Goff bounced again to spark a miraculous comeback, finishing a 32-yard landing move to Jameson Williams with 2:59 left earlier than main an 11-play, 73-yard drive for the go-ahead rating. A strip-sack by Aidan Hutchinson that led to a security put the ending touches on an emotional win that offers Detroit its finest file by means of 10 video games since 1962. This is shaping as much as be a particular season for the Lions, who should be thought-about Super Bowl contenders.
5. San Francisco 49ers (7-3, No. 5)
Last week: Win vs. Buccaneers, 27-14
Up subsequent: at Seahawks
By ending 21-for-25 for 333 yards and three touchdowns Sunday, Brock Purdy joined Joe Montana as the one 49ers quarterbacks to put up an ideal passer ranking in a sport with no less than 15 makes an attempt. This comes on the heels of Purdy’s dominant efficiency in opposition to the Jaguars, vaulting the 49ers again into the higher echelon of title contenders behind what FTN Fantasy’s DVOA considers the perfect offense within the league. Purdy’s midseason decline appears to be like prefer it was only a small bump within the highway, and that’s unhealthy information for the remainder of the league.
6. Dallas Cowboys (7-3, No. 6)
Last week: Win vs. Panthers, 33-10
Up subsequent: vs. Commanders
The Cowboys protection is actually a sight to behold. Behind seven sacks and an NFL-record-tying fourth pick-six by DaRon Bland, Dallas overwhelmed rookie Bryce Young and the Panthers, holding Carolina to 187 complete yards and a couple of.1 yards per move. The Cowboys have usually dominated the unhealthy groups on their schedule, however till they ship a signature win in opposition to a top-flight opponent, it’s laborious to place them within the internal sanctum of title contenders.
7. Cleveland Browns (7-3, No. 7)
Last week: Win vs. Steelers, 13-10
Up subsequent: at Broncos
What an odd season in Cleveland. Behind a traditionally good protection, the Browns eked out one other shut win, this time with rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. A couple of clutch throws from DTR on the ultimate drive had been sufficient to arrange Dustin Hopkins’ 34-yard game-winning discipline aim, serving to Cleveland stay in competition for not solely a playoff spot however maybe its first division title since 1989. We may see 38-year-old Joe Flacco take the sphere in a Browns uniform after the previous Ravens quarterback signed to the observe squad this week, including one other layer of intrigue for a staff that refuses to go away.
8. Miami Dolphins (7-3, No. 8)
Last week: Win vs. Raiders, 20-13
Up subsequent: at Jets
The Dolphins let the Raiders dangle round Sunday, however a pair of interceptions by Jalen Ramsey, together with an unimaginable choose in the long run zone with 32 seconds left, helped safe an essential victory. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill continues to construct a robust case for league Most Valuable Player honors, catching 10 passes for 146 yards and a league-leading eighth landing. Miami’s star energy will likely be powerful to cope with within the postseason.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3, No. 10)
Last week: Win vs. Titans, 34-14
Up subsequent: at Texans
The Jaguars shortly shook off a humbling loss to the 49ers, as Trevor Lawrence completed with the fourth-best passer ranking (119.5) of his profession and delivered two good landing passes to Calvin Ridley whereas dashing for 2 scores. Ridley stated it is likely to be an indication of issues to return for an offense that has seemed sluggish at instances this season. Jacksonville might want to stick with it in opposition to Houston, which is greater than able to matching its firepower.
10. Houston Texans (6-4, No. 9)
Last week: Win vs. Cardinals, 21-16
Up subsequent: vs. Jaguars
The Texans received regardless of a season-high three interceptions from rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, which is likely to be the surest signal but that Houston is a reliable playoff contender. Stroud stated he’s “going to keep letting it fly,” which is encouraging for an offense that has shortly turn into one of many league’s finest. Fellow rookie Tank Dell can also be blossoming right into a star, catching 20 passes for 319 yards throughout this three-game profitable streak. This is a assured younger staff that is likely to be forward of schedule and able to win the division.
11. Buffalo Bills (6-5, No. 15)
Last week: Win vs. Jets, 32-6
Up subsequent: at Eagles
A get-right sport in opposition to the Jets could possibly be a turning level for the Bills, who seemed nearly as good as ever beneath newly promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Buffalo scored on six of its first eight possessions and Josh Allen threw three landing passes, together with a pair to working backs out of the backfield. But accidents proceed to pile up on protection after a scary collision knocked out Taron Johnson and Taylor Rapp, the latter of whom exited in an ambulance. Buffalo must be firing on all cylinders to safe a playoff berth in opposition to one of many league’s hardest remaining schedules.
12. Denver Broncos (5-5, No. 18)
Last week: Win vs. Vikings, 21-20
Up subsequent: vs. Browns
Maybe coach Sean Payton lastly has this staff discovered. Russell Wilson did simply sufficient to guide a fourth-quarter comeback, finishing 27 of 35 passes for 259 yards together with a 15-yard landing to Courtland Sutton with 1:03 left. With Wilson throwing brief passes and avoiding turnovers and the protection getting again on monitor after a dismal begin, the Broncos have discovered a blueprint for fulfillment that’s led to 4 straight wins.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4, No. 11)
Last week: Loss vs. Browns, 13-10
Up subsequent: at Bengals
Matt Canada’s tumultuous tenure is over, with Pittsburgh firing the offensive coordinator Tuesday after one other disappointing efficiency. We’ll see if a change in play callers will get extra out of second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, who hasn’t come near assembly the preseason hype. Until the offense finds a greater strategy to transfer the ball than merely giving it to working again Jaylen Warren and hoping for the perfect, this staff can’t be taken significantly, regardless of how good the protection is.
14. Seattle Seahawks (6-4, No. 12)
Last week: Loss vs. Rams, 17-16
Up subsequent: vs. 49ers
What a crushing loss for the Seahawks, who blew a 16-7 fourth-quarter lead, dedicated 12 penalties and noticed quarterback Geno Smith and working again Kenneth Walker II exit with accidents. Neither may find yourself lacking a lot time, which is nice information heading right into a pivotal matchup in opposition to the 49ers that would decide the NFC West champion.
15. Minnesota Vikings (6-5, No. 14)
Last week: Loss vs. Broncos, 21-20
Up subsequent: vs. Bears
Joshua Dobbs practically pulled off one other beautiful win, turning into the primary quarterback in NFL historical past to throw a landing move and run for a rating in every of his first three video games with a staff. But Minnesota couldn’t maintain a late lead, ending a five-game profitable streak that turned the speak of the league. The Vikings nonetheless have a agency grip on the ultimate playoff spot within the NFC and will get star extensive receiver Justin Jefferson again in time for the postseason.
16. Indianapolis Colts (5-5, No. 17)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Buccaneers
17. New Orleans Saints (5-5, No. 20)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Falcons
18. Cincinnati Bengals (5-5, No. 13)
Last week: Loss vs. Ravens, 34-20
Up subsequent: vs. Steelers
It’s Jake Browning or bust for the Bengals after the season-ending harm to Burrow. It’s laborious to think about Cincinnati climbing again right into a crowded postseason race with out their star quarterback, however it might be unfair to jot down this staff off early. There’s nonetheless loads of expertise on either side of the ball, and Browning confirmed some flashes of being a succesful backup in opposition to the Ravens. This week’s sport in opposition to the Steelers will possible decide the course of the season.
19. Green Bay Packers (4-6, No. 28)
Last week: Win vs. Chargers, 23-20
Up subsequent: at Lions
With the offense on his shoulders, Jordan Love threw for 322 yards and linked with Romeo Doubs for a 24-yard landing with 2:33 left to provide Green Bay an upset win. It could possibly be a turning level for each Love and the Packers, who’ve usually discovered themselves on the dropping finish of shut video games this season. With working again Aaron Jones possible out for some time after being carted off the sphere with a knee harm Sunday, it’s as much as Love to be extra constant to maintain the offense on monitor.
20. Los Angeles Rams (4-6, No. 29)
Last week: Win vs. Seahawks, 17-16
Up subsequent: at Cardinals
Sean McVay continued his domination of Pete Carroll, shifting to 10-5 in opposition to Seattle, together with the postseason. That features a 4-0 file with Matthew Stafford at quarterback, who led two late scoring drives in Sunday’s come-from-behind win. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp may play this week after struggling an ankle harm, which is nice information for a staff that may ill-afford any extra accidents to its high gamers to have any hope of reaching the postseason.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (4-6, No. 16)
Last week: Loss vs. Packers, 23-20
Up subsequent: vs. Ravens
After one other disappointing loss and a testy postgame information convention, Brandon Staley is likely to be teaching for his job down the stretch. The lack of defensive finish Joey Bosa to a foot sprain may spell catastrophe for a protection beneath Staley’s course that has dramatically underperformed this season, rating twenty ninth in DVOA. A matchup in opposition to the surging Ravens comes at a horrible time for Los Angeles, which must keep away from a 3rd straight loss to have any hope of returning to the postseason.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (5-6, No. 19)
Last week: Loss vs. Dolphins, 20-13
Up subsequent: vs. Chiefs
Even interim coach Antonio Pierce’s first loss was encouraging. After a 2-0 begin beneath the previous linebacker, the Raiders had loads of probabilities to win Sunday in Miami because of an opportunistic protection that compelled three turnovers. But they had been in the end unable to beat three interceptions by rookie Aidan O’Connell, who stated he’s “learning how hard the NFL is and how hard it is to win.” Perhaps that have turns into higher outcomes.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6, No. 21)
Last week: Loss vs. 49ers, 27-14
Up subsequent: at Colts
The Bucs merely ran right into a buzz noticed Sunday, however that doesn’t soften the blow of 5 losses prior to now six video games. The silver lining this season has been the play of Baker Mayfield, who on the very least appears to be like like a serviceable starter if Tampa Bay desires to draft and develop a quarterback subsequent yr.
24. Atlanta Falcons (4-6, No. 25)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: vs. Saints
25. New York Jets (4-6, No. 22)
Last week: Loss vs. Bills, 32-6
Up subsequent: vs. Dolphins
Desperate for a spark on offense, the Jets are giving journeyman Tim Boyle an opportunity to begin. It may not result in higher outcomes, nevertheless it’s clear Zach Wilson doesn’t have what it takes to be a starting-caliber quarterback. With New York seemingly out of the playoff race, hope for Aaron Rodgers’ return may not be sufficient to inspire this staff down the stretch.
26. Chicago Bears (3-8, No. 27)
Last week: Loss vs. Lions, 31-26
Up subsequent: at Vikings
There aren’t any ethical victories after blowing a 12-point lead with solely 4 minutes to go, however Chicago needs to be inspired by the efficiency of Justin Fields in his return from a thumb harm. According to NFL Research, it was the fourth sport of the quarterback’s profession with no less than 100 passing yards and 100 dashing yards, tied for the third-most in NFL historical past. If the Bears finish the season feeling adequate to decide to Fields long-term, they may enter the draft with two top-five picks to make use of on constructing blocks at different positions.
27. Washington Commanders (4-7, No. 23)
Last week: Loss vs. Giants, 31-19
Up subsequent: at Cowboys
Sam Howell took a major step backward Sunday, throwing three interceptions as Washington turned the ball over six instances in an inexplicable loss to the last-place Giants. One sport shouldn’t overshadow the advance Howell has proven all season, nevertheless it’s honest to wonder if coach Ron Rivera needs to be the one overseeing his improvement. This staff is woefully underperforming based mostly on its expertise stage, and that falls on the toes of the coach.
28. Arizona Cardinals (2-9, No. 24)
Last week: Loss vs. Texans, 21-16
Up subsequent: vs. Rams
It’s clearly going to take greater than Kyler Murray to get the Cardinals over the hump. The offense went 3-for-10 on third down and 1-for-4 on fourth down Sunday, failing to benefit from three interceptions by the protection. “We did some good, but there are no moral victories,” stated Murray, who has performed properly since getting back from a torn ACL. “It’s just frustrating.”
29. Tennessee Titans (3-7, No. 26)
Last week: Loss vs. Jaguars, 34-14
Up subsequent: vs. Panthers
The Titans fell to 0-6 in highway video games this season and have misplaced 9 right away from residence. Overall, they’ve misplaced 14 of their previous 17 video games. It’s most likely untimely to begin fascinated by firing coach Mike Vrabel, however it might be good to see somewhat extra aggressiveness on offense from rookie quarterback Will Levis and a working sport that has averaged lower than 4 yards per carry over the previous two video games.
30. New York Giants (3-8, No. 32)
Last week: Win vs. Commanders, 31-19
Up subsequent: vs. Patriots
Coach Brian Daboll can actually coach quarterbacks. In his second NFL begin, undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns regardless of getting sacked 9 instances. If the Giants select to begin over with a rookie quarterback subsequent season, the franchise ought to really feel fairly good about what Daboll can do with a gifted younger passer beneath his tutelage.
31. New England Patriots (2-8, No. 30)
Last week: Bye
Up subsequent: at Giants
32. Carolina Panthers (1-9, No. 31)
Last week: Loss vs. Cowboys, 33-10
Up subsequent: at Titans
It was all the time going to take time for rookie quarterback Bryce Young to adapt to the NFL, however the Panthers needs to be somewhat apprehensive about what they’re seeing. Young ranks thirty first within the league in Total QBR (29.9) and is finishing a decrease proportion of his passes than anticipated regardless of averaging simply 6.3 air yards per try.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com